Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: ILIUM; signed via Nightmare Records, hailing from Australian grounds - performing Power Metal, on their re-issue of their debut album entitled: "Sirens Of The Styx: Re-Styxed" (released October 20^th, 2017).

Since formation in 2002; the quintet in question have 6 albums in their discography thus far, I'm introduced to their re-recorded album of "Sirens Of The Styx" (which was first released on December 18^th, 2003). Delivering a solid slab of hard-hitting Power Metal intricacies; ILIUM incorporate a blistering arrangement of dynamic developments, while diversified with unique elements that are concretely fluid. 11 tracks ranging at around 01:07:34; I jam to a barrage of well-executed songwriting adroitness, as within the opening track: "Embrace The Myth" - I surprise myself with a consistent distinction which contrasts itself with hammering attributions. There is a lot of melodic amalgamations, while juxtaposed with meaty and thunderous sound production that will inevitably captivate you immediately. The instrumentation and musicianship is proficiently nimble, as everything is performed with prominent domination so far.

Consisting of Lance King on vocals; the vocalist showcases a complexly organic aesthetic of high-pitched Power Metal screams and abilities that flourish with blood in the voice, "The Celestial Sphere" demonstrates menacing substances of elegantly exquisite contributions. Jason Hodges on guitars coordinates with razor-sharp dexterity, as in "Antigone" (the longest song at 10:03) the riffs are balanced with melodious harmonics while battering with fiercely rapid swiftness and strength. Adam Smith efficiently composes a solo effort on guitars/drums/bass & the keyboards, impressively providing a solitary establishment of talented craftsmanship. "Quoth Of The Raven" portrays catchy grooviness as the methodical dispositions are systematically sufficient, chugging away with an assault of frenzied foundations of punchline enlightenments - the orchestration is savagely stellar, portraying a deadly sinister relentlessness that is astonishingly remarkable so far.

"Ode Of The Trans-dimensional Puppeteer" has a crunchy pattern of distinguished characteristics, with a slight Bruce Dickinson enactment that is profusely prompted - manifested with a keyboard segment that is progressively technical. "Half-Life" is a 2:22 thumper of diligently speedy intensity, like a menacing rampage of frolicking madness. "Incipience - Beowulf Defeats Grendel" brings together a grandiose of dramatic catchiness, galloping with chugging maliciousness and salubrious efficaciousness. "Solitary Empires" is a charging behemoth, stampeding with energetic weight while pummelling the surface with oppressive malevolence - a stimulating track. "Semblance" continues the rhythmic onslaught, opening up with a peculiar pianist of a start composed with a heavy matter of bouncy mechanics that is all round incredibly invigorating.

"Tombsouls" is a crushing smasher, pulverizing with brutalizing force until the titular track concludes this phenomenal record. Overall - all expectations were surprisingly exceeded, and this record excelled with almost-perfect results, certainly worth your time!